Lance McCullers (2-1, 4.79 ERA) and the Houston Astros (27-30) go up against Sonny Gray (3-5, 6.19 ERA) and the Oakland Athletics (25-31) in the last of a three-game division series at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won the last game 6-5, and Houston leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jun. 5 and will air on RTSW and CSCA.
In his last start, McCullers pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out seven and walking four in an 8-5 victory over the Diamondbacks. George Springer (.293, 37 Rs, 13 HRs, 35 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 6 with one run. The Athletics were unsuccessful the last time Gray pitched. He struggled, going 3.1 innings, giving up five runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking four in an 8-3 loss to the Yankees. Danny Valencia (.343, 25 Rs, 9 HRs, 22 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Athletics, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the AL West, the Astros have a SU record of 9-11. Over their past 10 games, Houston’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Astros are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with an MLB-high 47 steals. Transitioning to the Houston defense and pitching staff, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the Astros, who allow only 3.6 runs per home game. The Astros don’t give up many walks to opposing batters at Minute Maid Park, ranking second in the AL with only 2.3 walks allowed per home game.
Against teams in their division, the Athletics are 8-13 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Oakland’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
In their previous five games this season, the Astros have a 3-2 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
The Athletics lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Astros are 9-10. The Athletics are 7-9 in close games this season.
The Astros managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Athletics who are coming in with a 5-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Astros have a slight leg up on the Athletics, as the Astros have won their last two games while the Athletics have lost their last two.
The Astros and the Athletics are both 18-4 when they notch more hits than their opponent.
Ranking 21st, Oakland sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 225 this season. Houston ranks in the top half at 13th with 246.
Ranking 29th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 129 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at fourth with 214.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 23-20, well-matched with the Athletics who are 20-16 when hitting one or more homers.
